Dental veneers are designed to be durable and long-lasting, but like any dental restoration, they can occasionally become loose or fall off. If this happens, don’t panic. In many cases, your veneer can be successfully reattached or replaced. The key is knowing what to do—and what not to do—until you can see your dentist.
Here are the steps you should take if your veneer comes off.
Carefully Retrieve the Veneer
If your veneer falls off, gently pick it up and store it in a clean, secure container. Avoid wrapping it in a tissue, where it could easily be thrown away by mistake.
Bring the veneer with you to your dental appointment. If it’s still in good condition and your natural tooth hasn’t been damaged, your dentist may be able to bond the same veneer back into place.
Protect the Tooth
Without the veneer covering it, the underlying tooth may feel rough or become sensitive to hot, cold, or sweet foods and drinks. This is because a small amount of enamel is typically removed during veneer preparation.
Until your appointment, avoid chewing on the affected tooth whenever possible. Be especially careful with hard, crunchy, or sticky foods that could chip or damage the exposed tooth.
Continue brushing and flossing gently to keep the area clean but avoid putting excessive pressure on the unprotected tooth.
Don’t Try to Glue It Back Yourself
It can be tempting to fix the problem with household glue or an over-the-counter adhesive, but this should never be attempted. Household glues contain chemicals that are not safe for use inside the mouth and can damage both the veneer and your tooth.
Even dental adhesives sold for temporary repairs are not a substitute for professional treatment. Your dentist must carefully clean the tooth and veneer before re-bonding it to ensure a secure, long-lasting fit.
Schedule a Dental Appointment Promptly
Contact your dentist as soon as you notice that your veneer has come off. The sooner the problem is addressed, the better the chance that the original veneer can be reused.
During your visit, your dentist will determine why the veneer detached. Sometimes veneers loosen because of normal wear over many years, while other times teeth grinding, trauma, biting hard objects, or decay beneath the veneer may be responsible.
If the veneer is damaged beyond repair, your dentist can discuss replacing it with a new custom-made restoration.
Although losing a veneer can be unsettling, it’s usually a problem that can be corrected quickly. If your veneer falls off, a quick call to your dentist is the best first step toward getting your smile back on track.
About the Author
Plantation, FL-based dentist Dr. Alejandro Lamas earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Through ongoing professional development, he continues to learn more and hones his skills so that can be of better service to his patients. Dr. Lamas deeply believes in patient education and involving them in their treatment. Interested in veneers? We can help! Schedule online or call (754) 701-0386.